What to expect for Minnesota air quality this summer
Minnesotans can expect to experience more crummy air quality days than usual in the coming months.
The big picture: A hot, dry spring and summer raises the risk that wildfires in Canada and elsewhere will saddle the state with smoky skies, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency meteorologists predict.
Threat level: MPCA is forecasting a "moderately active" air quality season, with 12 to 16 days of wildfire smoke across Minnesota.
That's higher than average, but similar to what the state experienced in 2018 and 2024.
Plus: The agency projects four to seven days where ozone levels are unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as kids and seniors.
An average season would see two to four.
Zoom in: The Twin Cities suburbs and the Rochester area are at the highest risk, MPCA says.
Threat level: Models showing warm temps and lack of rain could also worsen the drought conditions already parching much of the state, forecasters warned.
What we're watching: MPCA plans to issue alerts for air pollution caused by blowing dust for the first time this year.
Those incidents are becoming more of an issue due to the lack of snowpack in the winter, MPCA meteorologist Matt Taraldsen told reporters.
What you can do: Experts recommend staying indoors as much as possible during air quality alert days. If you need to go outside, it's best to do it in the morning, before temps rise.
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